Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson is working the phones, and according to NHL reporter Frank Seravalli, the team is looking to address roster flaws through a trade for a shoot-first scoring winger with size as early-season instability hits the NHL trade market.
Why are the Blackhawks exploring trades early in the season?
The Blackhawks entered the season with real ambitions but have stumbled out of the gate, prompting management to evaluate external upgrades before the campaign slips away. Head coach Jeff Blashill has been calling for an increased shooting mentality from his squad, and the team noticeably lacks size among its top-nine forwards. While early-season NHL trade markets are typically quiet, recent instability sparked by major trade requests elsewhere in the league has created potential openings for general managers around the league.
Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday on Chicago Sports Network that Davidson and the Blackhawks front office are specifically hunting for a shoot-first scoring winger who possesses size. To facilitate a deal, Davidson appears more willing to dip into the team’s draft capital—holding three first-round picks and two second-round picks for the 2027 draft—rather than trade young roster players.
Which potential trade targets fit the Blackhawks’ roster needs?
Several young forwards around the NHL match the size and scoring profile Chicago needs, though each presents distinct acquisition hurdles:
Ivan Miroshnichenko: The 22-year-old Capitals forward stands 6-1 and weighs 205 pounds. He has reportedly requested a trade after being healthy-scratched for all but three games this season. Miroshnichenko produced 76 points in 94 combined AHL games over the last two seasons. Because he is no longer waiver-exempt, his situation mirrors that of Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski, though the Capitals’ strong roster doesn’t have free spots on defense to easily facilitate a direct player swap.
Dmitri Voronkov: The Blue Jackets forward is huge at 6-5 and 230 pounds, scoring 40 goals over the last two combined NHL seasons. However, questions linger about his skating and work ethic, and he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
Jake DeBrusk: The Canucks forward has a proven track record of generating shots and scoring around the net, but he is 30 years old, carries a full no-movement clause, and has four years remaining on his contract.
Owen Tippett: At 27 years old, the Flyers forward stands 6-1, weighs 210 pounds, and plays with the exact fire-away mentality Chicago requires. Tippett has posted between 43 and 53 points in four consecutive seasons and carries a reasonable $6.2 million salary-cap hit with six contract years remaining. Because both the Blackhawks and Flyers opened the year with terrible starts despite preseason ambitions, the two franchises could make natural trade partners, though it is far from certain the Flyers are willing to trade him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What assets do the Blackhawks have to offer in a trade?
General manager Kyle Davidson is reportedly more willing to trade draft capital than young roster players. The Blackhawks currently hold three first-round picks and two second-round picks for the 2027 draft.
Why is Ivan Miroshnichenko available?
The 22-year-old forward has spent nearly all of this season as a healthy scratch for the Capitals, appearing in just three games and prompting a reported trade request.
What specific player type is Chicago looking for?
According to Frank Seravalli’s report on Chicago Sports Network, the Blackhawks are targeting a shoot-first scoring winger with size to bolster their top-nine forward group.
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